As the T20I series begins today, keep an eye on these bright sparks from the two sides
The three match T20I series between India and Ireland starts today at the Malahide Cricket Club Ground, also known as ‘The Village’. The Indian team is filled with many young prospects along with some experienced players like captain Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson to guide them. The Irish team looks more balanced with the experience of Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling in the batting department and Mark Adair and Josh Little leading the bowling department.
This series will help both the teams come closer to finding the right combination ahead of upcoming tournaments.
Here are five players to look out for from the two sides.
Rinku Singh (India): The middle order bat is known for his hard hitting and the ability to finish games. His IPL miracles, such as hitting five sixes in a row, are still fresh in the memory of fans. With the Indian batting line-up well stocked with right-handers, a quick-scoring left-hander who can also bowl makes him suitable for the No. 5 or 6 position. And his fielding skill is almost at the level of Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes. He has done consistently well in the first class circuit and has the makings of a future star.
Harry Tector (Ireland): The 23-year-old has a 50+ average in ODls and a strike rate of 122.1 in T20Is. His consistently good batting has made him a permanent No. 4 batsman in limited overs cricket for Ireland. Last year when India played Ireland, Hardik Pandya was impressed with Tector and gave him his bat as a gift.
Tilak Varma (India): Just 20, Tilak Varma has managed to perform nearly every time he has been given the chance. In the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies, he scored 173 runs in five innings at an average of 57.7 and strike rate of 140.7. He has earned praises from former players like Sandeep Patil and Ravi Shastri. A left-handed batter at no. 4 who can score according to the situation is the only thing required in the Indian squad ahead of the Asia Cup.
Curtis Campher (Ireland): The 24-year-old seam-bowling allrounder across formats has impressed cricket enthusiasts across the world. He provides a full quota of proper medium pace bowling and also scores quick runs whenever he gets the opportunity to bat. With an average of around 30 across formats he provides a chance to his team to play an extra bowler or batsman in the squad. In the T20I series against India, Campher could be a deciding factor.
Mukesh Kumar (India): Mukesh Kumar recently made his debut in all three formats of the game in less than two weeks. He is a right arm medium fast bowler who has the ability to bowl in any situation and can also swing the ball. His call to the national side was because of this ability. The team management has shown great belief in the 29-year-old and he is being considered as an all format player. His commitment and disciplined line and length bowling make him someone to look out for.